Innsbruck

What makes the experience of winter in the skiing region of Innsbruck so enjoyable is the successful harmony of city and mountain. The fun of skiing meets city flair, shredding meets sightseeing, surfing through deep snow meets dancing through the streets. Since the 2019/2020 winter season, the SKI plus CITY Pass has made it possible to combine all these pleasures, and the pass includes 22 lifestyle, cultural and sightseeing offers as well as 3 swimming pools and 2 transport services. The SKI plus CITY Pass, which can be used and combined with great freedom, enables you to plan your stay in the Innsbruck region with complete flexibility. In the morning you can be skiing over perfectly groomed slopes, in the afternoon it’s après-ski with art, culture or shopping, and in the evening you can take a dip in a swimming pool to chill out and soothe those aching muscle. Or perhaps you’d prefer to start the day with a shopping trip and tackle the slopes in the afternoon? No problem! How and when you make use of the offers depends entirely on your own mood and preferences. And, best of all, thanks to the free ski bus system, it’s easy to get about from A to Z, from Altstadt to Zoo, and the Hop-on Hop-off Sightseer bus, also included in the pass, takes you from sight to sight. So what are you waiting for? Let's explore #myinnsbruck!

Simply stroll through the city centre and you learn a lot about the town’s history. Habsburg emperor Maximilian I (1459–1519), in particular, shaped the image of Innsbruck during its transition from medieval times to the Renaissance era. He made the city the centre of an empire that stretched from Spain to Burgundy and Hungary. It was under Maximilian’s reign that Innsbruck’s glittering landmark – the Golden Roof - was constructed.

While the view down the splendid Maria-Theresien-Strasse towards the medieval old town is crowned by the majestic Nordkette mountain chain; the baroque Triumphal Arch is set off by the Bergisel ski jump, Innsbruck’s spectacular new icon designed by top architect Zaha Hadid.

Originally built in the 15th century, the sumptuous palace was redesigned several times until the 19th century. In 2010, following extensive renovation and refurbishment works, the former residence of the Habsburg rulers was returned to its original splendour. Now you can follow the traces of Empress Maria Theresia and Empress Elisabeth (‘Sisi’), as you stroll through the Hofburg’s spectacular state rooms and colourful private apartments.

It was above all Archduke Ferdinand II (1529–1595) who proved to be a significant patron of the arts by converting Ambras Castle into a splendid Renaissance residence for his wife Philippine Welser. Located on a hill to the south of Innsbruck, Schloss Ambras is still home to extensive collections of art and curiosities which rank until today among Europe’s most beautiful ‘curiosity chambers’.

The old city is enclosed by Marktgraben, Burggraben and Rennweg, marking the boundary along which the city wall once ran. The somewhat younger baroque and classical part of Innsbruck is located outside its perimeter. Here you find Maria-Theresien-Strasse with the Annasäule column at its centre, a statue that was erected as a token of gratitude for the victory of the Tyrolean people’s contingent over the Bavarian troupes in 1703.

Wilten Abbey Basilica is the most beautiful Rococo church in Austria with a rich history. It is home to the famous Wilten Boys’ Choir. The historic church was restored in the mid-18th century and now offers festive gold, delicate colours and elegant stucco. It is open for visitors anytime.

First mentioned im 1180 the St James Cathedral hosts the famous „Maria Hilf“ painting – a masterpiece by Lucas Cranach the Elder, that is copied all around the world. Each day at noon the Innsbruck peace bells, with over 57 bells the largest in Austria, rings out. The cathedral’s large doors can be reached via a metallic ramp, which has a gradient of a bit more than 6 percent.

The court church is situated on the east side of the old town next to the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Habsburg emperor Maximilian I (1459–1519) planned an escort of life-size bronze figures, which were designed by prominent artists of his time. The twenty-eight so-called “Schwarze Mander“ (black men) were worked on by painter Albrecht Dürer as well as casters Stefan Godl, Peter Vischer and Peter Löffler, among others. The statues were not completed, however, until Maximilian’s grandson Ferdinand I took over and had this significant piece of Renaissance art displayed in Innsbruck’s Hofkirche.

The old city is enclosed by Marktgraben, Burggraben and Rennweg, marking the boundary along which the city wall once ran. The somewhat younger baroque and classical part of Innsbruck is located outside its perimeter. Here you find Triumphpforte – a triumphal arch built for the marriage of Archduke Leopold (son of Empress Maria Theresia) to Maria Ludovica of Spain in 1765.

With its extensive permanent exhibition including paintings, townscapes, photographs and documents, the Stadtarchiv/Stadtmuseum, located at Badgasse, provides an insight into Innsbruck’s historical past. This museum is also venue for numerous events such as special exhibitions, literary readings and lectures.